Swisscom’s new Cyber Security Threat Radar takes stock of the activities of cyber criminals in Switzerland and the attack methods they use. It highlights in particular the latest developments in the areas of “Disinformation & Destabilisation”, “Manipulated Generative AI” and “Unsecure IoT/OT Devices”.
For years now, cybercrime has acted with a level of professionalism that should not be underestimated. Hackers continually remodel their strategies, increasingly refining their attack techniques.
What is particularly striking is the strong increase in the activities of «Disinformation & Destabilisation», on which the current edition of the report focuses. The spread of false information and targeted attempts at destabilization represent a serious threat to organisations, institutions and society as a whole.
Companies and organizations that become the target of a targeted disinformation campaign see their reputations threatened. If not promptly stopped, these attacks can have devastating effects not only on the company’s name, but also on its business performance. The ability to recognize and combat disinformation is closely linked to the security of company data and IT infrastructure. To promptly implement adequate countermeasures and thus maintain the trust of stakeholders, it is essential to take this threat seriously and adopt all the necessary measures to avoid being caught unprepared in the event of an emergency.
Artificial intelligence: useful but also risky
Attacks that exploit artificial intelligence (AI-Based Attacks) were discussed extensively in the latest edition of Swisscom’s Cyber Security Threat Radar.
Services like ChatGTP have greatly accelerated the spread of generative AI. The worldwide interest in artificial intelligence (AI) requires us to look more closely at the security risks associated with this technology. In fact, it is known that AI systems bring with them both opportunities and risks. In such a dynamic context, especially for small companies it can be difficult to always stay up to date and effectively protect the IT infrastructure.
Where there is networking there is vulnerability
In an increasingly digitalized world, IoT/OT devices have become an integral part of our working and private lives. But here too there is a problem: for a device, being connected to the network means being vulnerable. Every device connected to the Internet offers in a certain sense a gateway to the network. Inadequately protected equipment can cause business disruption, intellectual property theft, data manipulation and network infiltration. There is also the risk of compliance violations and possible damage to people and infrastructure. This is why it is essential for companies to be aware of these risks and proactively implement appropriate security measures.
The report contains further guidance on this matter and illustrates the countermeasures that companies can adopt in the face of today’s threats.
Safe in the cyber world
The Swisscom Cyber Security Threat Radar serves as a reference document and compass for safely navigating cyberspace. It explains not only what motivates hackers, but also how they act. It discusses, analyzes and evaluates trends and risks, providing a concise overview of the cyber threats present in Switzerland and their evolution. It also shows which countermeasures to take to be able to recognize and block attacks promptly.
Download:
Cyber Security Threat Radar (.pdf)